CALL (888) 499-5738 FREE 24/7/365
McGuire Law

South Carolina Driving Related Crimes Defense Lawyer

Driving-related criminal charges in South Carolina destroy lives beyond courtroom consequences—DUI convictions eliminate careers requiring commercial licenses, reckless homicide charges mean decades in prison for tragic accidents, and hit-and-run allegations brand you as someone who fled responsibility even when you didn't realize contact occurred.

Driving Charges Require Immediate Legal Action - Call Now for Free
Call Now Book a Call

Available 24/7 - Statewide Coverage for Driving Crimes

Attorney Matt McGuire

Whether arrested for DUI on I-26 near Columbia, charged with felony DUI causing death after a Myrtle Beach accident, accused of leaving the scene in Charleston, facing reckless driving prosecution in Greenville, or confronting any traffic-related criminal charge throughout South Carolina's 46 counties, these cases carry jail time, license revocation, insurance consequences, and criminal records affecting employment for decades.

Matt McGuire has defended driving-related crimes across South Carolina for over three decades, appearing in municipal courts, magistrate courts, and circuit courts from the Upstate to the Lowcountry protecting drivers from convictions.

The Legal Expertise of McGuire Law

Traffic crimes require attorneys who understand breathalyzer science, field sobriety test protocols, DMV administrative procedures, and the unique defenses available in driving cases. Three decades of specialized experience delivers results that general practitioners cannot match.

DUI Defense Mastery

Comprehensive understanding of breathalyzer calibration, blood test procedures, field sobriety test administration, and the scientific challenges that create reasonable doubt in impaired driving prosecutions.

DMV Hearing Representation

Simultaneous defense at SCDMV administrative hearings and criminal courts, understanding how each proceeding affects the other and fighting to preserve driving privileges.

Fourth Amendment Challenges

Attacking illegal traffic stops, unconstitutional checkpoints, and unlawful searches that provide grounds for suppressing evidence and dismissing charges entirely.

CDL Protection Strategies

Understanding unique consequences commercial drivers face, fighting to preserve CDL credentials essential to trucking, delivery, and transportation careers throughout South Carolina.

Statewide Court Experience

Appearing in municipal courts, magistrate courts, and circuit courts throughout all 46 South Carolina counties—from Charleston to Greenville, Columbia to Myrtle Beach.

Book a Call

Driving Crimes We Defend Throughout South Carolina

From first-offense DUI to felony vehicular homicide, South Carolina prosecutes driving crimes aggressively in every county. We defend all traffic-related criminal charges statewide.

DUI / Driving Under the Influence

Defense against DUI charges with penalties ranging from 48 hours to 30 years based on BAC level, prior convictions, and whether injuries or deaths occurred.

Felony DUI Causing Death or Injury

Aggressive defense against felony DUI charges carrying mandatory minimum one year up to 25 years imprisonment when impaired driving causes serious harm.

Hit and Run / Leaving the Scene

Defense against leaving scene charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies carrying up to 25 years when accidents involve personal injury or death.

Reckless Driving

Defense against reckless driving prosecutions for willful or wanton disregard for safety, punishable by jail time and license consequences.

Driving Under Suspension

Defense against DUS charges when operating vehicles with suspended, revoked, or canceled licenses, with enhanced penalties for subsequent offenses.

Vehicular Homicide

Defense against vehicular homicide prosecutions for causing deaths through criminal negligence while operating motor vehicles.

Evidence Disappears Quickly After Traffic Arrests

Dashcam footage deleted, blood test samples degraded, witness memories fading—immediate action preserves evidence that proves your innocence or creates reasonable doubt.

McGuire Law's Core Values

When your license, freedom, and career are threatened by driving charges, you need attorneys who combine technical expertise with aggressive advocacy. Our values ensure you receive both skilled defense and genuine commitment to your case.

Statewide Accessibility

We appear in courts throughout all 46 South Carolina counties. Whether your case is in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, or any rural magistrate court, we provide the same aggressive representation.

Technical Excellence

DUI and driving cases require understanding breathalyzer science, blood testing protocols, and field sobriety procedures. We master these technicalities to challenge prosecution evidence.

24/7 Arrest Response

Driving arrests happen at any hour. We're available around the clock to respond to urgent situations and provide immediate guidance when you need it most.

License Preservation Focus

Beyond criminal defense, we fight aggressively at DMV hearings to preserve your driving privileges—essential for employment, family responsibilities, and daily life.

Clear Fee Structures

No hidden costs or surprise charges. We explain fees upfront and provide detailed information so you understand exactly what representation costs.

Call for Free

DUI Defense Strategies

DUI prosecutions rely on scientific evidence and standardized procedures. When officers fail to follow protocols or equipment malfunctions, powerful defenses emerge.

Field Sobriety Test Challenges

Attacking Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand administration, scoring, and reliability when officers deviate from NHTSA protocols.

Breathalyzer Accuracy

Questioning DataMaster DMT calibration, maintenance logs, operator training, and biological variables affecting readings that create false high results.

Blood Test Challenges

Attacking chain of custody, laboratory procedures, preservative adequacy, or fermentation creating falsely elevated blood alcohol results.

Rising Blood Alcohol Defense

Proving BAC was below .08% while driving but rose above the legal limit by the time of testing due to absorption timing.

Illegal Stop Challenges

Suppressing all evidence when officers lacked reasonable suspicion for initial traffic stops or conducted unconstitutional checkpoint operations.

Medical Condition Defenses

Explaining field sobriety test failures through neurological disorders, injuries, inner ear problems, or GERD affecting breathalyzer accuracy.

The McGuire Law Difference

Driving crimes require attorneys who understand both the science behind testing and the procedural requirements officers must follow. Matt McGuire brings over 30 years of specialized experience defending traffic charges throughout South Carolina's 46 counties.

Three Decades Defending Driving Charges

Over 30 years defending DUI, reckless driving, hit and run, and all traffic crimes throughout South Carolina, from municipal courts to circuit court jury trials.

Dual-Track Defense Strategy

Simultaneously fighting criminal charges and DMV administrative hearings, understanding how each proceeding affects the other and maximizing chances of preserving your license.

Scientific Evidence Expertise

Deep understanding of breathalyzer technology, blood testing procedures, and field sobriety protocols enabling effective challenges to prosecution evidence.

Statewide Court Relationships

Familiarity with prosecutors, judges, and court procedures throughout South Carolina—from Charleston to Greenville, Columbia to Myrtle Beach and beyond.

CDL and Career Protection

Special focus on protecting commercial drivers, delivery professionals, and anyone whose career depends on maintaining clean driving records and valid licenses.

Call Now

Consequences of Driving Crime Convictions

Driving convictions create consequences extending far beyond fines and jail time. Understanding what's at stake reveals why aggressive defense is essential.

Immediate Consequences

  • Jail sentences ranging from 48 hours to 25 years depending on charges
  • License revocation for months to years or permanently
  • Ignition Interlock Device requirements adding thousands in costs
  • SR-22 insurance tripling or quadrupling premiums for years

Long-Term Impact

  • Criminal records visible to employers for decades
  • CDL disqualification ending trucking and commercial driving careers
  • Professional licensing consequences for nurses, teachers, and lawyers
  • Immigration consequences including potential deportation

DMV Hearings Operate on Separate Timelines

You have only 30 days to request DMV hearings after DUI arrests. Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension regardless of criminal case outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Driving charges involve complex procedures and tight deadlines. Here are answers to questions South Carolina drivers commonly ask about traffic crime defense.

Should I refuse the breathalyzer test?

Refusal triggers automatic administrative license suspension but may be strategic when evidence would prove guilt. This decision depends on circumstances—call immediately after arrest for guidance.

Can field sobriety tests be challenged?

Yes. Field sobriety tests must be administered according to NHTSA protocols. Medical conditions, road surfaces, footwear, and officer errors all provide grounds for challenge.

What's the difference between DMV hearings and criminal court?

DMV hearings address license suspension using preponderance of evidence. Criminal court addresses jail, fines, and criminal records requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt. Both require representation.

How long do I have to request a DMV hearing?

Only 30 days from arrest to request DMV hearings. Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension. Contact us immediately after any DUI arrest.

Will a DUI affect my CDL?

Yes. DUI in any vehicle—personal or commercial—results in CDL disqualification for one year (first offense) or lifetime (second offense). We fight aggressively to protect commercial licenses.

Can hit and run charges be defended?

Yes. Lack of knowledge that contact occurred, reasonable belief no collision happened, challenging witness identification, and emergency circumstances all provide valid defenses.

What if I'm under 21?

South Carolina's zero tolerance law sets .02% BAC limit for drivers under 21. Any detectable alcohol creates violations with license suspension and criminal penalties affecting your future.

Do you handle cases outside Columbia?

Yes. We appear in courts throughout all 46 South Carolina counties—from the Upstate to the Lowcountry, Charleston to Greenville, and everywhere in between.

Matt McGuire - Attorney

About South Carolina Attorney Matt McGuire

Matt McGuire South Carolina Criminal Defense Personal Injury Family Law Attorney

With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina.

McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation.

McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here.

Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.

Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.

Book a Call

Get Started Today

When driving charges threaten your license, freedom, and career anywhere in South Carolina, you need more than just any attorney – you need Matt McGuire and McGuire Law.

Don't let another day pass without proper legal protection against DUI, reckless driving, hit and run, or any traffic crime charges. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that personal, aggressive, and effective legal representation can make in your driving crimes defense case.

Call Now Book a Call

Columbia Office

2001 Assembly Street, Suite 102-B
Columbia, SC 29201

(888) 499-5738

Contact McGuire Law Today

Matt McGuire has defended driving-related crimes across South Carolina for over 30 years, appearing in courts throughout all 46 counties protecting drivers from DUI, reckless driving, hit and run, and all traffic crime convictions.

"Relentless advocacy, remarkable results."